Dracula Free Writing Response

           13 February.--Before I started reading Dracula, I was already kind of nervous. I try to avoid creepy books and horror movies because I can take something that really isn't that creepy and blow it totally out of proportion. When I watched Insidious, I couldn't get the image of a red and black devilish creature with horse hooves out of my mind. Even though I know that stories are made up, I somehow manage to create fears that seem so real and present.
           Knowing that I have this type of a mindset, I started my reading warily. The beginning really wasn't that scary, though. However, I could tell it was building up to more creepiness. In general, it seems like Harker takes longer to realize the gravity of the situation. Before Harker suspected it, I already figured that the driver was Dracula. When Harker finally acknowledged that he was a prisoner, I was just thinking, "Wow, only now you realize." I guess I can cut him some slack, though. I approached the situation with the mindset that Dracula was going to terrorize all that he could, but Harker approached the situation with the mindset that he was going to carry out a great business transaction.
           14 February.--So far, the three creepiest and tense parts were with the mirror, the ladies, and the coffin (when Harker struck Dracula). Those three parts were so gripping, and I really wanted to find out what happened next. After I read the part about the mirror and went up to a mirror in my bathroom, I glanced behind me just to make sure that no one (Dracula in particular) was there. I knew that it was a really dumb thing to do and that I wouldn't see anything, but I just let my paranoia control me. At least, I don't have any locked rooms or coffins in my house to encourage more fears.
           Because I liked the build-up of the coffin part so much, I was kind of disappointed when the next chapter cut to other letters and diary entries. I'm not quite sure what to think of the Lucy situation, but something definitely seems wrong with Lucy. I'm starting to think that Dracula has something to do with it. I don't think that Stoker would just throw in that part of the story if it didn't connect.

Austen Storyboard

Key:
CU- close up
MS- medium shot
WS- wide shot
VO- voiceover

Austen Gifts

Mrs. Baniaga

I know that she is really germ-concious. One time she mentioned that using hand sanitizer all the time creates super germs. This soap will allow her to fight germs without creating supers germs.

Keora
Gardening is something that Keora really enjoys. In ecolab, it took a long time to harvest and sort through the lettuce seeds, so I know that seed collecting can be really tedious. This seed collecting kit will help Keora to harvest her seeds (yay for sustainability) more quickly and avoid the frustration of sorting through the seeds and chaff purely by hand.


Amy
I know that Amy likes chocolate and is really open to trying different types of food. I think she'd enjoy the combination of the fruit with chocolate, and there's a nice variety of flavors for her to sample. I can imagine her daintily snacking on these chocolates as she reads the rest of Pride and Prejudice.

Hannah
I think I've overheard Hannah recount relaxing with a nice cup of tea (I hope I didn't hear wrong). However, I do know for sure that she really loves to read. Tea is a great reading companion. I can imagine her curling up on a cool, breezy day with a book on her lap as she sips at soothing and warm tea (or coffee or cocoa depending on her mood).

Kacie
Kacie's told me that Pride and Prejudice is one of her most favorite books. I have a suspicion that Mr. Darcy and his development throughout the story is one of the major reasons that she likes it. So, I dare to pick out this Darcy charm for her. I know that if she ever has jewelry, it's nice and simple. She's worn a heart necklace and heart ring, so a Darcy heart charm seems just right. Even if she doesn't want to wear it, she can attach the charm to one of her bags as a sign of her love for Pride and Prejudice.


Shannon
Shannon is one of the best seamstresses I know. She's sewn so many amazing outfits. This dress E-pattern is totally customizable, so even if she doesn't like how the dress in the picture looks, she can always alter to pattern to make it exactly how she wants it to look. The dress might come out looking totally different from this sample picture because of alterations that she decides on. I know that, whatever she decides to do, the dress will look beautifully elegant.





Cricket
I know that Cricket is really artistic and is a huge proponent of our school's art program, so she could make good use of this pen, pencil, and ink set. She's worked with a bunch of different mediums, so it would be cool for her to try this out. I'm sure that she could draw some really amazing things with this.



*click each person's name for the link to the item